Mounting device for mobile information terminal, and mobile information terminal

ABSTRACT

A mounting device comprises a case that has an insertion inlet for a mobile information terminal, a connector that establishes electrical connection to the mobile information terminal inserted in the insertion inlet, and an ejection mechanism that ejects the mobile information terminal after completion of processing through the connector. After the completion of the processing, by an action of the ejection mechanism, the mobile information terminal is popped up from the mounting device, and a user notifies the completion of the processing understandably.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a mounting device to which amobile information terminal is mounted, and an art related thereto.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] As electronic-communications technology advances in recent years,small-sized, lightweight, and thin-sized display devices (for example,LCD, organic electroluminescence, electronic paper, etc.) have spreadout widely, and mobile information terminals (for example, PDA (PersonalDigital Assistant), etc.) with these display devices and the mountingdevice for such mobile information terminal have been used practically.

[0005] In general, such a mounting device is only an adapter that makesan adjustment with a charging unit or a connection interface.

[0006] As for this point, contrivance, which improves a function of themounting device, has been proposed and disclosed in published JapanesePatent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-288143 (reference 1).

[0007] However, even with the reference 1, the mounting device has notgone beyond the stage of the mere adapter from the point of view ofoperability for the mounting device. Therefore, it is hard to say that auser can be understandably notified of processing status of the mountingdevice.

[0008] A prior art has been proposed and disclosed in published JapanesePatent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-134821 (reference 2), whichenables for the mounting device to eject a mobile terminal from themounting device by an ejection mechanism when charging is completed,.

[0009] However, in the art mentioned above, when communication andcharging are carried out simultaneously, the mobile terminal will beejected at the time of the completion of charging, communication will beinterrupted, and it is inconvenient.

[0010] A prior art has been proposed and disclosed in published JapanesePatent Application Laid-Open No. H11-74654 (reference 3), which caneasily confirm contents of outputs of LCD while the terminal itself ismounted to the mounting device.

[0011] However, the prior art cuts out a part of the surface of themounting device, and only exposes a part of the LCD. Therefore, it cannot be said that contents of the display can be extremely understandablewith the prior art.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] An object of the present invention is to provide a mountingdevice that is able to notify a user of processing status of themounting device and an art related thereto.

[0013] A first aspect of the present invention provides a mountingdevice, to which a mobile information terminal with a display unit isoperable to be freely mounted and dismounted, is operable to executeprocessing for the mobile information terminal. The mounting devicecomprises an ejection mechanism operable to eject the mobile informationterminal at time of or after completion of the processing.

[0014] According to the construction described above, when processingfor the mobile information terminal mounted to the mounting device iscompleted, the mobile information terminal is ejected. Then, the mobileinformation terminal changes relative relationship of position with themounting device. Therefore, a user is easily able to know that theprocessing has been completed.

[0015] A second aspect of the present invention as defined in the firstaspect of the present invention provides a mounting device, whichperforms processing comprising communications with the mobileinformation terminal.

[0016] According to the construction described above, communicationswith the mobile information terminal can be performed by the mountingdevice; hence, a user is easily able to know that the processing for thecommunications is completed.

[0017] A third aspect of the present invention provides a mountingdevice comprising: a case that possesses an insertion inlet for a mobileinformation terminal, and a lock mechanism that is operable to prohibitor permit dismounting the mobile information terminal inserted to theinsertion inlet.

[0018] According to the construction described above, accidentalejection of the mobile information terminal from the mounting deviceduring processing can be prevented, and discontinuation of theprocessing due to the ejection can be avoided.

[0019] Not only the user of the mobile information terminal, but also amalicious third person can not eject the mobile information terminal.Especially in the case where the mounting device is installed in apublic place, such as a store, and the mobile information terminal ismounted to the mounting device, the mobile information terminal can beprotected from a theft. As a result, attending or keeping a lookout forthe mobile information device not to be stolen is not necessary.

[0020] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a mountingdevice comprising: a case that possesses an insertion inlet for a mobileinformation terminal, a connector that is operable to establishelectrical connection with the mobile information terminal inserted tothe insertion inlet, and an ejection mechanism that is operable to ejectthe mobile information terminal at time of or after completion ofprocessing, wherein the ejection mechanism operates according to asignal via the connector.

[0021] According to the construction described above, a user inserts themobile information terminal into the mounting device from the insertioninlet of the mounting device, to mount the mobile information terminalto the mounting device. Thereby, the connector is electricallyconnected, and processing is performed for the mobile informationterminal via the connector.

[0022] When the processing for the mobile information terminal mountedto the mounting device is completed, the mobile information terminal isejected, the electrical connection by the connector is canceled, and themobile information terminal changes relative relationship of positionwith the mounting device. Then the user can be notified of theprocessing having been completed.

[0023] A fifth aspect of the present invention as defined in the fourthaspect of the present invention provides a mounting device, whichcomprises a charger that is operable to electrically charge the mobileinformation terminal via the connector.

[0024] According to the construction described above, charging themobile information terminal via the connector can be performed.

[0025] A sixth aspect of the present invention as defined in the fourthaspect of the present invention provides a mobile information terminal,which comprises a control unit that is operable to control the ejectionmechanism via the connector.

[0026] According to the construction described above, the mobileinformation terminal can perform control of the mounting device, and aspecial control unit and so on does not need to be installed in themounting device; therefore, space efficiency and cost efficiency can beimproved.

[0027] A seventh aspect of the present invention provides a mountingdevice, to which a mobile information terminal with a display unit isfreely mounted and dismounted, is operable to execute processing for themobile information terminal. The mounting device comprises at least onewindow through which a content displayed on the display unit is possibleto be visually recognized from outside the at-least-one window.

[0028] An eighth aspect of the present invention provides a mountingdevice, which comprises a case having an insertion inlet for a mobileinformation terminal with a display unit, and at least one windowfurnished on the case. The at-least-one window is operable to partitionthe display unit.

[0029] According to the two kinds of construction described above, inthe display unit, displaying with different modes for every domainspartitioned by the at-least-one window can be performed.

[0030] A ninth aspect of the present invention as defined in the eighthaspect of the present invention provides a mounting device, whichfurther comprises a connector that is operable to establish electricalconnection with the mobile information terminal inserted to theinsertion inlet.

[0031] According to the construction described above, processing such ascommunication or power feeding via the connector can be performedbetween the mounting device and the mobile information terminal.

[0032] A tenth aspect of the present invention as defined in the ninthaspect of the present invention provides a mounting device, whichfurther comprises an input unit that is related to the at-least-onewindow, wherein the mobile information terminal inserted to theinsertion inlet can be controlled by manipulating the input unit.

[0033] Here, it is presupposed that the mobile information terminal isused while being carried in general. According to the constructiondescribed above, when the mobile information. terminal is mounted to themounting device, the mobile information terminal can be used just like astand-alone information terminal.

[0034] Even when the mobile information terminal does not comprise aninput method, by using the input method of the mounting device, anoperating environment equivalent to the case where the mobileinformation terminal comprises the input method can be provided forusers.

[0035] A eleventh aspect of the present invention as defined in theeighth aspect of the present invention provides a mounting device, whichis made such that a front part of the case is open and covered with aplate furnished with at least one window, through which a contentdisplayed on the display unit is possible to be visually recognized fromoutside.

[0036] According to the construction described above, various functionscan be added to the mounting device, by separating the mounting deviceup into the plate and the others and by exchanging only the plate.

[0037] A twelfth aspect of the present invention as defined in theeleventh aspect of the present invention provides a mounting device,whih is made such that the plate is prepared in a plurality of kinds andfurnished with a differently shaped window and unique identificationinformation, and that the case comprises a sensor that is operable toread the identification information, and that a content to be display onthe display unit is possible to be altered according to theidentification information read by the sensor.

[0038] According to the construction described above, the contents ofthe display can be changed by exchanging the plate. The contents can beunderstandably displayed by changing the shape, the size and the numberof the windows in response to use.

[0039] A thirteenth aspect of the present invention as defined in theninth aspect of the present invention provides a mobile informationterminal, which is mounted to a mounting device and comprises a controlunit that is operable to control the display unit via the connector,wherein the control unit is operable to control the display unit todisplay different displays in every domain partitioned by theat-least-one window.

[0040] According to the construction described above, withoutcontrolling the mode of the display in the mounting device, displayingwith different modes for every domains divided by the at-least-onewindow can be performed in the display unit.

[0041] A fourteenth aspect of the present invention provides a mobileinformation terminal, which comprises a card insertion unit to which acard is inserted, wherein the card insertion unit is furnished a windowthrough which a card inserted into the card insertion unit is possibleto be visually recognized from outside.

[0042] According to the construction described above, a user can acquireinformation regarding the card, while the card is inserted into and nottaken out from the card insertion unit.

[0043] The above, and other objects, features and advantages of thepresent invention will become apparent from the following descriptionread in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which likereference numerals designate the same elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044]FIG. 1 is a drawing, illustrating the front view of a mountingdevice and a mobile information terminal in a first embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0045]FIG. 2 is a drawing, illustrating the side view of the mountingdevice and the mobile information terminal in the first embodiment ofthe present invention.

[0046]FIG. 3 is a block diagram, illustrating the mounting device andthe mobile information terminal in the first embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0047]FIG. 4 is a flowchart, illustrating the mobile informationterminal in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0048]FIG. 5(a) is a ground plan, illustrating the mobile informationterminal in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0049]FIG. 5(b) is a drawing, illustrating the rear view of the mobileinformation terminal in the first embodiment of the present invention

[0050]FIG. 6 is a drawing, illustrating an enlarged part of the mountingdevice and the mobile information terminal, in a second embodiment ofthe present invention.

[0051]FIG. 7 is a block diagram, illustrating the mounting device andthe mobile information terminal in the second embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0052]FIG. 8 is the flowchart, illustrating the mounting device and themobile information terminal in the second embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0053]FIG. 9 is a drawing, illustrating the oblique perspective view ofthe mounting device in a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0054]FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram in the third embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0055]FIG. 11 is a drawing, illustrating the front view of the mountingdevice and the mobile information terminal in a fourth embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0056]FIG. 12 is a drawing, illustrating the oblique perspective view ofthe mounting device in a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0057]FIG. 13 is a drawing, illustrating the front view of the mountingdevice and the mobile information terminal in the fifth embodiment ofthe present invention.

[0058]FIG. 14(a) and FIG. 14(b) are drawings, illustrating the frontview of a plate in the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0059] Hereafter, the embodiments of the present invention is explained,referring to drawings.

Embodiment 1

[0060]FIG. 1 is the drawing, illustrating the front view of the mountingdevice and the mobile information terminal in the first embodiment ofthe present invention.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 1, a mounting device 200 comprises a case 201and a support unit 209.

[0062] The case 201, which is a shape of a box, possesses an openingportion at the upper edge. The opening portion is an insertion inlet 202for a mobile information terminal 100.

[0063] The mobile information terminal 100 is inserted from theinsertion inlet 202, and is mounted to the mounting device 200 in afreely connectable and separatable manner.

[0064] A window 203 is established in the central part of the front sideof the case 201. When the mobile information terminal 100 is insertedfrom the insertion inlet 202, a part of a display unit 102 of the mobileinformation terminal 100 can be confirmed by looking from the outsidevia the window 203.

[0065] The window 203 may be a complete hole, or may be sealed off bytransparent resin etc., in order to confirm the inside by looking fromthe outside.

[0066] A connector 204 is formed in the bottom side of the case 201.When the connector 204 is connected to a connector 103 of the mobileinformation terminal 100, the mounting device 200 and the mobileinformation terminal 100 are electrically connected, and then chargingand communications can be performed.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, a wiring 204 a connects theconnector 204 of the mounting device 200, to a charger 210 and a server300 etc. that are provided in the outside of the mounting device 200.

[0068] An ejection mechanism 208 is stored in the bottom of the case 201of the mounting device 200.

[0069] In the present example, this ejection mechanism 208 is composedof a solenoid 205, a rod 206 of the solenoid 205, and a member 207. Themember 207 contacts a bottom 101 a of a case 101.

[0070] The mobile information terminal 100 possesses a display 102, suchas LCD, organic electroluminescence, and electronic paper so on.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 1, when the connectors 204 and 103 areelectrically connected, a first domain 102 a of the display unit 102exposes to the outside at the upper side of an upper edge 201 a of thecase 201. A second domain 102 b can be seen from the outside through thewindow 203.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 1, information, such as “today's news”, isdisplayed on the first domain 102 a. Display mode for every domain canbe differentiated in the second domain 102 b, such as displaying astatus bar, which displays progress of charging and communications.

[0073] A detailed explanation is described later, but when processing,such as charging or communications, is completed, the solenoid 205 ofthe ejection mechanism 208 operates, and the rod 206 projects upward.When the member 207 goes up from a solid line position to a virtual lineposition, connection of the connectors 103 and 204 is canceled, and thecase 101 pops up upward as an arrow N1 indicates.

[0074] Thereby, a user can be intelligibly notified of the processinghaving been completed.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 2, a support unit 209 supports the case 201 inthe state where the case 201 is inclined a little.

[0076] The charger 210 is connected to the back of the support unit 209.

[0077] The internal constructions of the mounting device 200 and themobile information terminal 100 are explained using FIG. 3. FIG. 3 isthe block diagram, illustrating the mounting device and the mobileinformation terminal in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] The mobile information terminal 100 comprises the display unit102, the connector 103, and the following elements.

[0079] A control unit 104 is composed of CPU etc., and controls eachelement of the mounting device 200. The control unit 104 also followsthe flowchart shown in FIG. 4, and controls each element of the mountingdevice 200 when the mobile information terminal 100 is connected to themounting device 200.

[0080] A memory 105 is composed of RAM etc., into which the control unit104 writes and reads information that is necessary for the processing.

[0081] A connection detection unit 106 detects whether there is anyelectric conduction between the connector 103 and the connector 204.

[0082] A battery 107 may be a primary battery or a secondary battery;however, the battery 107 is an object of the charging in the presentexample.

[0083] At the time of charging, power is supplied to the battery 107 viathe connectors 204 and 103 from the charger 210.

[0084] A communication interface 108 executes communications with anexterior device of the mobile information terminal 100 via the connector103 or the other elements.

[0085] The mounting device 200 comprises a communication interface 211,adding to the ejection mechanism 208, the connector 204, and the charger210.

[0086] The communication interface 211 can communicate with the server300 etc., and when the mobile information terminal 100 is mounted to themounting device 200, the mobile information terminal 100 can performsending/receiving of data with the server 300 etc. via the communicationinterface 108, the connector 103, the connector 204 and thecommunication interface 211.

[0087] Next, operation of the control unit 104 is explained, referringto FIG. 4.

[0088] First, in Step 1, the control unit 104 waits until the connectiondetection unit 106 detects the conduction of the connector 103 and theconnector 204.

[0089] When the conduction is detected, the control unit 104 checkswhether charging the battery 107 is necessary or not in Step 2.

[0090] If necessary, charging the battery 107 is executed in Step 3.

[0091] At this time, electric power is supplied via the connector 204and the connector 103 from the charger 210 of the mounting device 200 tothe battery 107.

[0092] And, the processing moves to Step 4.

[0093] On the other hand, if charging is not necessary, the processingmoves to Step 4 as it is.

[0094] In Step 4, the control unit 104 checks whether or not there isany communication data.

[0095] If there is communication data, the server 300 performs thecommunications with the control unit 104 via the communication interface211, the connector 204, the connector 103, and the communicationinterface 108 in Step 5.

[0096] Of course, the control unit 104 stores necessary data, such asdata received from the server 300, into the memory 105, if necessary.

[0097] On the other hand, if there is no communication data, theprocessing moves to Step 6 as it is.

[0098] In Step 6, the control unit 104 operates the ejection mechanism208.

[0099] Thereby, the rod 206 of the solenoid 205 projects, and the mobileinformation terminal 100 pops up as the arrow N1 in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2indicates, and then the processing is completed.

[0100] As a result of the pop-up, connection of the connectors 103 and204 is canceled.

[0101] Although immediately after completion of charging andcommunications is desirable for the timing at which the control unit 104operates the ejection mechanism 208, a delay time may be establishedsuitably.

[0102] Charging and communications can be executed simultaneously, andcharging also can be executed after communications.

[0103] Thereby, since the mobile information terminal 100 is physicallyejected from the mounting device 200, a user is able to know thecompletion of processing easily. Since the mobile information terminal100 is physically ejected from the mounting device 200, the mobileinformation terminal 100 is electrically cut off from the mountingdevice 200, and the mobile information terminal 100 is protected fromdamage by lightning surge current (it may be induced by a thunderbolt).

[0104] The mobile information terminal 100 of the present embodiment isexplained, referring to FIG. 5.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 5(a) and FIG. 5(b), the card insertion unit 109,to which a card 110 such as a memory can be inserted, is formed in theback side of the mobile information terminal 100.

[0106] A window 109 a, which consists of transparent resin etc., isformed in the card insertion unit 109 so that inside of the cardinsertion unit 109 can be confirmed by looking from the back side of themobile information terminal 100.

[0107] Therefore, a user can see a label 110 a stuck on the card 110from outside the mobile information terminal 100 in the state where thecard 110 has been inserted in the card insertion unit 109.

[0108] In short, when a user prints information (for example, the nameof data, an index, contents, other attributes) regarding the datarecorded on the card 110 and the storage capacity of a card, etc. into alabel 110 a, and the label 110 a is stuck on the card 110, the user canread the printed information while the card 110 is inserted in the cardinsertion unit 109; therefore, it is very convenient.

[0109] The communications of the mounting device 200 and the mobileinformation terminal 100 do not have to be the electrical connection ofthe connectors 103 and 204, but it can be wireless communications basedon such as a proposed standard of IEEE802.11 a, b, and g.

[0110] In this case, the communications become possible also after thedisconnection of the connectors 103 and 204 by ejection.

Embodiment 2

[0111] The second embodiment of the present invention is explained,referring to from FIG. 6 to FIG. 8.

[0112] The present embodiment differs in what the lock mechanism hasestablished, comparing to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] Thus, a notch 112 is formed in the side unit as enlarged andshown in FIG. 6.

[0114] A part of the case 201 is made to be expanded, and a storage unit201 b is formed. Then a solenoid 212 is arranged inside of the storageunit 201 b, and a rod 213 of the solenoid 212 is made to be turnedsideways so as to face the notch 112.

[0115] In the state where the mobile information terminal 100 isinserted into the insertion inlet 202 and the connector 103 and theconnector 204 are connected (refer to solid lines), the location of therod 213 and the location of the notch 112 are made to be matched.

[0116] At this time, when the solenoid 212 is operated and the rod 213is made to project from the solid line position to a dashed lineposition, the top portion of the rod 213 engages with the notch 112, andthe mobile information terminal 100 is in the state where it is lockedand cannot be removed from the mounting device 200.

[0117] When the solenoid 212 is operated and the rod 213 is pulled backinto the solid line position from the locked state, the lock is canceledand the mobile information terminal 100 can be removed from the mountingdevice 200, as the arrow N1 shows.

[0118] In the present embodiment, a lock mechanism 214, which forbidsand permits removing the mobile information terminal 100 from themounting device 200, is constructed by the storage unit 201 b and thesolenoid 212.

[0119] The block diagram of the present embodiment is shown in FIG. 7.

[0120] Thus, the lock mechanism 214 is added to the mounting device 200comparing to FIG. 3.

[0121] Here, operation of the lock mechanism 214 is controlled by thecontrol unit 104 of the mobile information terminal 100 via theconnectors 204 and 103 in the same way as the ejection mechanism 208.

[0122] Operation of the mounting device 200 of the present embodiment isillustrated in FIG. 8.

[0123] When connection is detected in Step 11, the control unit 104operates the lock mechanism 214, the rod 213 is made to project into thenotch 112, and the mobile information terminal 100 is locked within themounting device 200 in Step 12.

[0124] Then, in Steps 13-16, the same processing as Steps 2-5 of FIG. 4is performed.

[0125] Next, in Step 17, in advance of ejection operation, the controlunit 104 operates the lock mechanism 214, and evacuates the rod 213 fromthe inside of the notch 112. Then, the ejection operation is performedin Step 18.

[0126] According to the present embodiment, there is the followingeffect.

[0127] By establishing the lock mechanism 214, a user can avoidextracting the mobile information terminal 100 accidentally.

[0128] The lock mechanism 214 is useful to prevent the communicationserror from generating due to the extraction of the mobile informationterminal 100 from the mounting device 200 in the middle of processing,such as charging or communications. Therefore, it is useful to avoid apossible danger of circuit breakage.

Embodiment 3

[0129] The first embodiment and the second embodiment are applicablealso to a business-use mounting device, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0130]FIG. 9 shows the appearance of the business-use mounting device insuch an application, and FIG. 10 illustrates an example of contents of adisplay.

[0131] Especially, it is desirable to apply the second embodiment tothis application.

[0132] For example, when the present embodiment is applied to datawrite-in devices (KIOSK terminal etc.) which will be installed in publicplaces (for example, a shop front, a station, etc.) to sell a digitalcontent, theft of a mobile information terminal can be prevented withoutescorting of a user during processing.

Embodiment 4

[0133] A composition of a fourth embodiment of the present invention isexplained using FIG. 11.

[0134] As shown in FIG. 11, a first window 215, a first button 217 whichoperates contents of a display of the first window 215, a second window216, and a second button 218 which operates contents of a display of thesecond window 216 are arranged at the front side of the case 201.

[0135] A connection mark 219 indicates the first window 215 and thefirst button 217 are related, and a connection mark 220 indicates thesecond window 216 and the second button 218 are related.

[0136] Today's news is displayed on the first window 215.

[0137] When a user pushes the first button 217, the latest news data canbe acquired from the server 300, the contents of the display of thefirst window 217 can be scrolled, and continuation of the news can bedisplayed.

[0138] A city and time in the world are displayed on the second window216.

[0139] Every time a user pushes the second button 216, a city which theuser wants to display time can be shifted (for example, from Rome toLondon to Paris etc.).

[0140] An input method is used as a button 251 in the presentembodiment.

[0141] However, of course, according to the operation purpose, the inputmethod can also be changed into such as a volume which determines aninput value by a rotation angle of a knob, or a slider which determinesthe input value with the movement magnitude of the knob.

[0142] According to the present embodiment, the mobile informationterminal 100 can be controlled, and contents of a display of the windows215 and 216 can be changed, by operating the buttons 217 and 218 in themounting device 200.

[0143] That is, an operating environment equivalent to a case where themobile information terminal 100 is equipped with the input method can beoffered, even in the case where the mobile information terminal 100 isnot equipped with the input method, by using the input method with whichthe mounting device 200 is equipped.

[0144] Since a user does not touch a mobile information terminal 100directly, external force does not act on the mobile information terminal100.

[0145] Therefore, even when the mobile information terminal 100 does notequip special devices, such as a lock function, there are fewpossibilities that electrical connection of connectors 103 and 204 maybe canceled accidentally.

[0146] Relationship with a window and a button becomes clear by theconnection marks, and operation is easy to understand.

[0147] The connection mark is not limited to the example of FIG. 11, andcan also be constituted by making a color, a design, a form, etc. inagreement in the window and the button mutually relevant.

Embodiment 5

[0148] A fifth embodiment of the present invention is explainedreferring to from FIG. 12 to FIG. 14.

[0149] In the present embodiment, the mounting device 200 is comprises aplate which covers the front of the mounting device and is easy to geton and off, and the other portions.

[0150] Two or more kinds of plates with different layouts of a windoware prepared, and unique identification information is given to eachplate and contents of a display of the display 102 is changed based onthe identification information.

[0151] Thus, as shown in FIG. 12, most of the front side of the mountingdevice 200 is open, and a left guide 221 and a right guide 222 areperpendicularly provided on both sides of the mounting device 200. Theleft guide 221 and the right guide 222 are thin and long and haveC-character-shaped cross-sections.

[0152] The bottom end portion of the left guide 221 and the right guide222 comes in contact with a level abutment surface 223. In the abutmentsurface 223, equal-shaped insertion holes 231 to 238 are established atan equal pitch.

[0153] Sensors 231 a to 238 a which detect the existence of the objectin the inside concerned are arranged in each inside of the insertionholes 231 to 238.

[0154] A detection method of the sensors 231 a to 238 a is arbitrary.For example, the detection method may be mechanical, or may be optical.

[0155] As illustrated, a left edge 225 and a right edge 226 of a plate224 are inserted freely sliding in the left guide 221 and the rightguide 222.

[0156] When insertion of the plate 224 is completed, a bottom 227 of theplate 224 contacts the abutment surface 223, and the plate 224 cannotdescend any more.

[0157] Protrusions 239 and 240 protrude downward from the bottom 227 ofthe plate 224, and the protrusions 239 and 240 are inserted in either ofthe insertion holes 231 to 238.

[0158] The position and the number of the protrusions 239 and 240 areidentification information of the plate 224. In the example of FIG. 12,the protrusions 239 and 240 are inserted in the insertion holes 231 and232, respectively. As a result, the sensor 231 a and the sensor 232 adetect an object, and the sensors 233 a to 238 a do not detect theobject.

[0159] When one bit (“1,” when an object is detected; “0,” when theobject is not detected) is assigned in order of the sensors 231 a to 238a, for example, identification information of the plate 224 can beexpressed as “11000000” in 8 bits.

[0160] Thus, the above-mentioned operation is applicable to 255 kinds ofplates.

[0161] In the plate 224, windows 228 and 229 which are uniquelydetermined by the protrusions 239 and 240 are provided.

[0162] In FIG. 12, when the mounting device 200 is equipped with theplate 224, the space of the back side of the plate 224 serves as theinsertion inlet 202 of the mobile information terminal 100.

[0163]FIG. 13 illustrates an example of the mounting device 200 with theplate 224 equipped.

[0164] In this example, temperature is displayed on the window 228 in astyle of a so-called alcohol thermometer (a thermometer whose glass tubeis filled with colored liquid), weather information is displayed on thewindow 229, and date information is displayed above the case 201.

[0165] Thus, the plate 224 is a plate for weather display, and theidentification information is expressed by the protrusions 239 and 240.The identification information of the plate 224 which the sensors 231 ato 238 a have detected, as the embodiments 1 to 3 (refer to FIG. 3), isinputted into the control unit 104 via the connectors 204 and 103. Thecontrol unit 104 changes contents of a display of the display unit 102according to the identification information.

[0166] When the plate 224 is removed from the mounting device 200, thesensors 231 a to 238 a stop detecting an object entirely, and theabove-mentioned information is set to “00000000.”

[0167] Then, the control unit 104 eliminates the display of the display102.

[0168] A plate can be variously prepared for every use.

[0169] For example, a plate 241 indicated in FIG. 14(a) is fordisplaying news and time. The news is displayed with subtitles on awindow 242, and an analogue-type clock is displayed on a window 243.

[0170] A plate 247 indicated in FIG. 14(b) has a window 248 whichdisplays a photograph.

[0171] The number and the position of protrusions 244 to 246 in FIG.14(a) and protrusions 249 and 250 in FIG. 14(b) are different from thenumber and the position of the protrusions 239 and 240 in the plate 224of FIG. 12. Each plate can be identified uniquely by the protrusionprovided in a plate.

[0172] According to a use, a form, the number, a layout, etc of thewindow can be chosen arbitrarily and are not necessarily limited to whatis illustrated.

[0173] Two or more plates for the same use may be prepared, and a colorand a pattern may be attached and distinguished on each plate.

[0174] For example, two or more plates for weather displaying areprepared for each area, and a user can distinguish, by appearance, anarea which the user wants to obtain weather information.

[0175] It is desirable to provide several plates for photographs withdifferent colors defined for every theme, such as blue for “relaxation,”green for “waking,” and red for “energy,” and to establish a protrusionof a different position for each plate for photographs.

[0176] Thereby, by choosing a color of a plate for photograph accordingto the feeling, and equipping the chosen plate on the mounting device200, a user can preferably display a photograph which may mach thefeeling of the user at the time.

[0177] In the present embodiment, the kind of plate is identified bycombining a protrusion of a plate and a sensor.

[0178] However, identifying the kind of plate uniquely is sufficient.For example, a noncontact electronic tag (IC tag) may be embedded on aplate, and an electronic tag reader may be used as a sensor. Or a barcode label may be labeled on a plate and the bar code reader may be usedas a sensor.

[0179] Thus, a plate without a protrusion is realizable.

[0180] According to the present embodiment, a user can select functionof a mobile information terminal, and can display desired data legibly,only by selecting a plate, equipping the plate to a mounting device,without menu selection or a special operation of button depression.

[0181] Since operation is easy and understandable for elderly people, achild, and the handicapped, etc. who is poor at operating a device, thepresent embodiment is preferable.

[0182] According to the present invention, when a processing to a mobileinformation terminal mounted to a mounting device is completed, themobile information terminal can be ejected, the relative positionalrelationship of the mobile information terminal and the mounting devicecan change, and a user can know the completion of the processing easily.

[0183] By ejecting the mobile information terminal, the electricalconnection of the mobile information terminal and the mounting devicecan be disconnected, and it becomes possible to protect the mobileinformation terminal from sudden accidents, such as overcurrent due tothunderbolt

[0184] By locking the mobile information terminal to the mounting deviceduring processing, there are effects of theft prevention at publicplaces, such as a KIOSK terminal of a shop front, and prevention ofoperational mistake of extracting a terminal accidentally.

[0185] According to the present invention, displaying with a differentmode for every domain sectioned by a window of a case can be carriedout.

[0186] Though a mobile information terminal is locked to a mountingdevice, various messages, such as a progress status of processing, aweather forecast, and an advertisement, can be displayed, thuseasy-to-handle facility can be offered.

[0187] Having described preferred embodiments of the invention withreference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that theinvention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that variouschanges and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in theart without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention asdefined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mounting device to which a mobile informationterminal with a display unit is operable to be freely mounted anddismounted, said mounting device being operable to execute processingfor the mobile information terminal, and said mounting devicecomprising: an ejection mechanism operable to eject the mobileinformation terminal at a time of or after completion of the processing.2. A mounting device as defined in claim 1, wherein the processingcomprises communicating with the mobile information terminal.
 3. Amounting device as defined in claim 1, wherein the processing compriseselectrical charging for the mobile information terminal andcommunicating with the mobile information terminal.
 4. A mounting devicecomprising: a case having an insertion inlet for a mobile informationterminal; and a lock mechanism operable to prohibit or permitdismounting of the mobile information terminal from the insertion inlet.5. A mounting device comprising: a case having an insertion inlet for amobile information terminal; a connector operable to establishelectrical connection with the mobile information terminal inserted tothe insertion inlet; and an ejection mechanism operable to eject themobile information terminal at a time of or after completion ofprocessing, wherein said ejection mechanism operates according to asignal received via said connector.
 6. A mounting device as defined inclaim 5, further comprising: a lock mechanism operable to prohibit orpermit dismounting of the mobile information terminal from the insertioninlet.
 7. A mounting device as defined in claim 5, further comprising: acharger operable to electrically charge the mobile information terminalvia said connector.
 8. A mobile information terminal adapted to bemounted to said mounting device as defined in claim 5, said mobileinformation terminal comprising: a control unit operable to control saidejection mechanism via said connector.
 9. A mounting device to which amobile information terminal with a display unit is operable to be freelymounted and dismounted, said mounting device being operable to executeprocessing for the mobile information terminal, and said mounting devicecomprising: at least one window through which content displayed on thedisplay unit is visually recognizable from outside through said at leastone window.
 10. A mounting device comprising: a case having an insertioninlet for a mobile information terminal with a display unit; and atleast one window furnished on said case and operable to partition thedisplay unit.
 11. A mounting device as defined in claim 10, furthercomprising: a connector operable to establish electrical connection withthe mobile information terminal inserted to the insertion inlet.
 12. Amounting device as defined in claim 11, further comprising: an inputunit operable to be related to said at least one window, wherein themobile information terminal inserted to the insertion inlet iscontrollable by manipulating said input unit.
 13. A mounting device asdefined in claim 10, further comprising: a plate furnished with said atleast one window, wherein a front part of said case is open and coveredwith said plate, and wherein content displayed on the display unit isvisually recognizable from outside through said at least one window. 14.A mounting device as defined in claim 13, wherein each of said at leastone window of said plate has unique identification informationassociated therewith, wherein said case comprises a sensor operable toread the identification information, and wherein content to be displayedon the display unit is alterable according to the identificationinformation read by said sensor.
 15. A mobile information terminaloperable to be mounted to said mounting device as defined in claim 11,said mobile information terminal comprising: a control unit operable tocontrol said display unit via said connector, wherein said control unitis operable to control said display unit to display different displaysin every domain partitioned by said at least one window.
 16. A mobileinformation terminal comprising: a card insertion unit adapted to have acard inserted therein, wherein said card insertion unit has a windowthrough which the card inserted therein is visually recognizable fromoutside.